Janelle Garcia has been on a tear as of late. She continued that on Friday, netting her second straight hat trick leading the Pirates past visiting Allan Hancock College 4-1 Friday at the Sportsplex. Garcia, who has scored 13 goals in the past seven matches, netted all three goals in the first half hour of play, pushing Ventura (8-4, 2-0) to their fourth consecutive victory and sixth win in the past seven outings.
The Pirates were aggressive from the start with several chances to score on the attack and via corner kicks. In the 6th minute, Sarah Garcia's corner kick was headed by Janelle Garcia, but saved by the Bulldog goalie. In the 18th minute, Michelle Rios hit Janelle down the left side, who bobbed and weaved through the defense, finishing with the ball in the back of the net for a 1-0 VC advantage.
Before the fans could settle back into their seats, Janelle did it again with an unassisted score less than two minutes later.
The Pirates wee not satisfied, however, and kept up the attack. In the 23rd minute, Valeria Ramirez had a nice through ball to Jennifer Orozco, but the shot from 25 yards out sailed just over the goal.
in the 29th minute, Janelle took a pass from Megan Henderson and used a soft touch to poke the ball over the outstretch hands of the goalie and bound it into the back corner of the net for her third goal of the game.
Five minutes later the onslaught continued as Melissa Cardenas hit Orozco for a run down the right side for VC's fourth goal in 16 minutes of play. Ventura led 4-0 at halftime.
In the second half, the Pirates could not keep up the pace and aggressiveness. Orozco did have a nice cross that was redirected on a header by Janelle, but the shot was turned back.
In the 82nd minute, the Bulldogs managed a score on a defensive miscue to set the final 4-1 margin for the Pirates.
Ventura has a big week coming up with Santa Barbara and Moorpark visiting the Sportsplex. VC hosts the Vaqueros on Tuesday Oct. 18 for a 7:00 pm match before hosting the Raiders at 6:00 pm on Friday Oct. 21.